Bhubaneswar: With Cyclone Bulbul progressing towards West Bengal coast triggering heavy rainfall coupled with strong wind in the coastal districts of Odisha, as many as 2,416 people have been evacuated and accommodated in several shelters.
As per data, a record 1,139 people have been evacuated and accommodated in six shelters in Kendrapara, while 546 people have been accommodated in four shelter centres in Jagatsinghpur, followed by 420 people in seven shelters in Bhadrak and 311 people in eight shelters Balasore districts.
Hundreds of trees were found uprooted in several places in these districts while the NDRF, ODRAF, police and fire personnel have been engaged in clearing road blockade.
While many trees were found uprooted in Paradip and some damage to 33 KV feeder at Bijayachandrapur near Paradip were also reported.
Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Pradeep Kumar Jena informed they have not received any loss of life so far.
The SRC said that Dhamra in Bhadrak district recorded a wind speed of 110 Kmph. In the last 24 hours, Paradip received highest rainfall of 159 mm, followed by Chandbali with 143 mm and Balasore 32 mm of rainfall.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the very severe cyclonic storm ‘Bulbul’ over Bay of Bengal will cross West Bengal – Bangladesh Coasts between Sagar Islands (West Bengal) and Khepupara (Bangladesh), across Sunderban delta on Saturday night as a severe cyclonic storm with maximum sustained wind speed of 110-120 Kmph gusting to 135 Kmph.
The IMD said that gale wind speed 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph is prevailing along and off Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak and Balasore districts of Odisha.
It has predicted that gale wind speed 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph is likely to continue along and off Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur.